Stan Fisher
Stanley C. Fisher was born near Beecher Island on Aug. 24, 1936, to Loren and Cora (Trembly) Fisher. He was the fourth of seven children. In failing health, Stan died and went to be with Jesus on April 19, 2021.
Stan attended country school until he started high school in Wray. During this part of his life, Stan was active in the Dry Willow 4-H Club and was president of the Yuma County 4-H council.
In 1954, Stan graduated from Wray High School. Following his high school graduation, he attended Colorado A & M, graduating in 1958 as the first class from the newly renamed Colorado State University.
He was baptized in his youth and later confirmed in the Lutheran church in 1957.
On Sept. 8, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Utz. The Lord blessed this union with three children: Jeff, Julie and John.
In June 1958, Stan began his 21-year career in the United States Air Force, working in accounting and finance. His last assignment was director of accounting and finance for the U.S. Air Force Reserve at the Pentagon. He retired from the Air Force in April of 1979.
Stan and his wife purchased Renotta Nursing Home in Wray in 1983 and in 2001 realized his long-time dream of opening a state-of-the-art community-owned skilled nursing and assisted living facility, Hillcrest Care Center and the Towers.
He was an active part of the Colorado Health Care Association and was on the board for a total of 18 years. In 2001, he received the honor of Colorado Health Care Association Administrator of the Year.
He retired from health care after 20 years.
In retirement, Stan spent his time as an active member of his community in both Wray and Holyoke. He was dedicated to his work in his church, the school systems and the American Legion. He was also active in the Wray Rotary Club and continued to announce football games for Wray High School until 2017.
For a number of years, Stan took on the role of Santa and used it as a service to many communities, for both young and old.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Everett Fisher; sisters, Nettie Jane Sheldon and Gracie Trast; and granddaughter, Krista Joy.
Stan is survived by his wife, Barb Fisher; children, Jeff Fisher and family, Julie Haake and family, and John Fisher and family; siblings, Vi Beverlin and family, Doris Osmus and family, and Eldon Fisher and family; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held April 24 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating.
Interment was held at Holyoke Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation in Holyoke or the Wray School District Education Foundation in Wray.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray was in charge of arrangements.